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The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business heard testimony from Randy Rema, a small business owner and member of the National Electrical Contractors Assn. (NECA), on the rapidly converging trends of rising energy prices, an economic slowdown and growing consumer interest in green building technology.

Rema was invited to speak on NECA's behalf at the committee's hearing on "The Role of Green Technologies in Spurring Economic Growth."

"As public and consumer awareness of alternative energy and the need to efficient energy solutions has grown, electrical contractors' responsibilities have expanded considerably to meet this demand. The House Small Business Committee knows that NECA and its member contractors can offer unique insight and expertise on the growing green building market, as well as the importance of continuing to invest in renewable energy technologies through tax credits," said Lake Coulson, NECA executive director of government affairs.

NECA member Randy Rema testifies at hearing of House Small Business Committee, July 10. At the hearing, Rema answered the committee's questions on how he expects electrical construction projects in alternative and renewable energies to increase his company's bottom line, and the investment in solar power he has made himself.

"This year we have contracts worth $2 million for solar panel installations, which represents almost 25 percent of our total business," Rema reported to the committee. "For 2009, I can project an additional $2 million worth of opportunities for those seeking building retrofit and other investment in green energy technologies. For my small business, this amounts to the employment of at least eight new electricians, plus support staff, with the possibility of even greater employment opportunities at competitive wages."